Bryan County Commissioner Toby Roberts announced on Tuesday at the Board of Commissioners’ monthly meeting that he would not be seeking re-election this year.

"After five terms, it’s time we had some new ideas, some fresh ideas," said the 4th District representative.

With District 2 Commissioner Blondean Newman’s decision not to seek re-election after her term expires this year, the county will need to fill two vacant seats. Current Bryan County Development Authority Chairman Ted Akins recently announced his candidacy for Newman’s post.

Roberts said he made the announcement now so that potential candidates would have plenty of time to decide whether to run. The primaries are in July and the general election is in November.

"I think the fair thing to do is to let citizens of the 4th District know that... this seat will be open," he said.

County Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed said he has learned a lot from "these guys," referring to Roberts and Newman.

Other business included the Board’s approval of a proclamation to encourage the participation of Bryan County residents in the 2010 census.

Burnsed lauded the effort, and explained the importance of completing the forms, which will arrive in mailboxes March 15-17.

The goal is to get 100 percent participation, but, said Burnsed, "If we could get 80 percent, I think it would be very, very good."

Billions of federal dollars are allocated to local and state governments through the census program each year.

Richmond Hill-based restaurant owner Butch Broome addressed the board to put the issue of serving alcoholic beverages on Sunday before Bryan County voters.

The topic will be put on the agenda for the April 6 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.